Jakkalberry confirmed his ticket to the Melbourne Cup with victory in the inaugural American St Leger

The Melbourne Cup is on the agenda for Jakkalberry after his American St Leger victory

Jakkalberry confirmed his ticket to Australia for the Emirates Melbourne Cup with victory in the American St Leger at Arlington.

Trainer Marco Botti is targeting the 'race that stops a nation' after the six-year-old stayed on well to beat Ioya Bigtime by two and a quarter lengths in the newly-inaugurated race over an extended mile and five furlongs.

"He travelled well and I liked the way he picked up. Obviously he stays very well," said Botti.

"The plan is the Melbourne Cup. He will go into quarantine in September, so he won't run again in Europe.

"There are races like the Caulfield Cup as well as the Melbourne Cup to aim at if all goes well."

Jakkalberry was ridden for the first time by Irish jockey Colm O'Donoghue, who said: "It was a solid run race. He got into a good position and travelled really well. Mr Botti said he needs really firm ground.